Saguaro National Park News Release 20-03
December 2019
Contacts: Saguaro West - Richard Hill (520) 733-5158, 2700 N. Kinney Rd.
Saguaro East - Melanie Florez (520) 733-5151, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail
Saguaro National Park December Program Schedule
Saguaro National Park is offering a variety of walks and talks that explore the park’s wonderful natural and cultural histories. Program listings also are available on the park’s website, www.nps.gov/sagu, or visit us on Facebook. Interpretive programs are free, but park entrance fees apply. Program schedules are subject to change; visitors should call the visitor centers for updates or reservations.
Naturalist Programs at Tucson Mountain District (West District), 2700 N. Kinney Rd.:
Programs are offered on most days in the morning at 10:15 and/or 11:15, and in the afternoon at 2:15 and/or 3:15 and last 30 to 45 minutes. Topics include mountain lions, lizards, coyotes, javelinas, kangaroo rats, insects, birds, survival strategies, the saguaro cactus, and other topics related to the desert. All programs are subject to change. Call the visitor center at (520) 733-5158 for updates the day of the program.
Dec. 12, 19, 21, 26, 28 11:15 a.m. Living With Giants Talk: 45 minutes
The saguaro celebrates events and faces challenges throughout its life. A biologist explains how it provides shelter and substance for wildlife; when it flowers; its growth patterns; and how it fights for survival against drought, lightning, frost, and other dangers. Wheelchair accessible
Dec. 6, 11, 20, 27 11:15 a.m. Investigation of the 1000 Year Old Rock Art! Walk: 45 minutes, ¼ mile
Become a Rock Art Detective and investigate the who, when, and how mysteries of the 1000 year old Hohokam Petroglyphs.
-Meet at Signal Hill at 11:15 a.m. Plan for 20 minutes of driving time to location from the visitor center
-An optional 1/4 mile hike will follow the program, discussing some of the common plants and animals found here in the desert
Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 3:15 p.m. Cooking With Prickly Pear Talk: 30 minutes
Learn how you can incorporate prickly pear into your diet. This program will show you how to collect and prepare prickly pear. Prepare for a sweet treat! Wheelchair accessible
Dec. 7 1:45 p.m. Wasson Peak Moonlight Hike: 7 hours, 8 miles roundtrip
This hike climbs 1,700 feet to the highest point in the Tucson Mountains. Enjoy a 360-degree view of the sunset before descending by the light of the moon. The hike is at an easy-to-moderate pace but is considered difficult due to elevation gain and hiking after dark. Ages 12 and older. Reservations required; 733-5158
Dec. 8 5:00 p.m. Moonlight Excursion Hike: 3 hours, 2 ¼ miles roundtrip
This evening adventure involves short hikes totaling 2 ¼ miles with 200 feet elevation gain. The paths will take hikers to overlooks and through a picturesque wash all under the enchanting light of the moon. Reservations required; 733-5158
Dec. 9 3:00 p.m. Sunset Hike 4 hours, 3 ½ miles roundtrip
This hike gains 700 feet with most of the elevation change in switchbacks near the ridgeline, where hikers will watch the sunset before descending under moonlight. Reservations required; 733-5158
Dec. 11 5:30 p.m. Moonrise Over The Mountains Patio program: 45 minutes
The patio talk is offered on the night of the full moon. Come out to the Red Hills Visitor Center and enjoy a short talk about the moon and the music of two of our talented volunteer musicians as the full moon rises above the beautiful array of Saguaro Cacti. Bring a chair and dress for the cool desert evenings. All ages. Wheelchair accessible. No reservations necessary.
Naturalist Programs at the Rincon Mountain District (East, 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail):.
Dec. 2, 30 2:00 p.m. Hooray for Gila Monsters Presentation
Join a naturalist in the visitor center theatre to discover the fascinating life of a Gila Monster. Accessible program
December 6, 13, 20 1:00 p.m. Saguaro Time Hike Guided Hike
What was it like to live in a Cactus Forest? What do people do in this valley today? And what about an uncertain future? Explore all three eras on a short hike to the Loma Verde Copper Mine historic site. Comfortable walking shoes and water are recommended.
December 7, 21 9:00 a.m. I Hike for Health Guided Hike
Join a ranger on this 3-mile fitness hike and earn your “I Hike for Health" pin. Comfortable hiking shoes and water are recommended.
December 7, 21, 28 3:00 p.m. Wild at Heart Plaza Presentation
Take in the view of the Rincon Mountains - with 96,879 acres of designated Wilderness - from our new plaza. We’ll discuss your favorite wilderness views and what makes this place “wild at heart".
Accessible Program
December 11 3:30 p.m. Family-Friendly Full Moon Hike Guided Hike
Bring your kids and join a ranger on this 2.8 mile, 3.5 hour hike to see the full moon rise over the Rincon Mountains. A trail snack, comfortable walking shoes, water and a flashlight are recommended. Reservations are required. Call the Visitor Center at (520) 733-5153.
December 13 7:00 p.m. Night Walk Guided Walk
Join a park naturalist for this easy two-hour hike to explore and experience the Sonoran Desert at night. Dress for the weather. Comfortable walking shoes, water and a flashlight are recommended. Reservations are required. Call the Visitor Center at (520) 733-5153
December 15 2:00 p.m. Wildlife of the Catalina Mountains Presentation
Did you know that the Santa Catalina Mountains are home to a marsupial? That all three members of the raccoon family and four of the five species of skunks found in North America live in the Catalinas? Or that they are home to two of the top tier predators found in North America? It's true. Join naturalist and camera trap videographer David Dean in the Visitor Center Theater for an up-close (and often comical) look into the lives of these fascinating animals. Accessible Program
December 19 7:00 p.m. Star Party Illustrated Program & Activity
Join park naturalists for an introduction to astronomy and a look at the desert night sky. Telescopes and binoculars will be available. Reservations are required. Call the Visitor Center at (520) 733-5153. Accessible Program
Dec. 21, 28 4:30 p.m. Sunset Hike Guided Hike
Join a Park Guide and Volunteer for a short hike to a lookout ledge on Tanque Verde Ridge. Bring your camera, since you never know what kind of sunset colors the Arizona desert sky will offer tonight! Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a liter of water and consider a light jacket for the downhill trip. Meet at Javelina Picnic Area.
December 27 5:00 p.m. Holiday Caravan Auto Tour
Explore the natural lore of the solstice holiday on a unique nighttime drive through the park’s loop drive. Auto tours will be offered will be offered every ½ hour, 5 - 8 p.m., and will feature several stops along the 8-mile Cactus Forest Drive. Each tour lasts approximately 1½ hours. Reservations are required and fill early! Call the Visitor Center at (520) 733-5153. Accessible Program
Both visitor centers are open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, except Christmas Day.
Red Hills Visitor Center (Saguaro WEST)
2700 North Kinney Road
Tucson, AZ 85743
(520) 733-5158
Rincon Mountain Visitor Center (Saguaro EAST)
3693 South Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85730
(520) 733-5153
For more information about Saguaro National Park and some of its partners, Friends of Saguaro National Park, Western National Parks Association, and the Rincon Institute, visit these websites:
www.nps.gov/sagu www.wnpa.org
www.friendsofsaguaro.org www.rinconinstitute.org
Saguaro National Park
3693 S.Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85730
https://nps.gov/sagu
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
